Skates, Saunas and Small Town Fun
- Dalton Hessel
- Dec 29, 2022
- 3 min read
On Tuesday, December 27th a “Charlie Brown-esque” community skating party was held at the Tot Lot in Hayward, WI. The goal of the event was to get people together to enjoy a night of skating, conversation, and to truly embrace the beauty of small town life around the holidays. With an estimated over 100+ people in attendance throughout the evening, it’s fair to say that old fashioned events are still in style.
The Northern Nerd collaborated with community minded businesses like Selah Mobile Coffee, Wisconsin Sauna, Up North Stays & Northwoods Sauna Company and free drinks throughout the evening were sponsored by Element Church. Partnering with these people/businesses was a no brainer. They were eager to come together to help make this event a possibility and success. Throughout the evening they were all looking for ways to help out and I couldn’t have asked for better people to help with this event. I’d also like to thank the City of Hayward and the Hayward City Council for helping make this event a possibility.
This is not the first time the Tot Lot has been used for a community skating party. Throughout the evening, many people that brought their kids to skate shared stories of themselves learning to skate at the Tot Lot. Many discussed that they would come down with their siblings after school or on weekends and lace up their skates while their backside was planted in a snowbank. I hope many years down the road, some of the children that were in attendance go on to say something similar.
I’d like to share a few comments from community members that I received on The Northern Nerd Facebook page. “We had a blast. Thank you so much,” commented Luke Stone. “Very Hallmark-ish. Love it!” said Mary Kate Poppe. Melissa Jordan added, “our family LOVED the community skate party!” The only thing that would have made this event more magical was if it softly began to snow, but then we’d truly be living in a Christmas movie.
Hayward is such a special town to me and community events like the skating party help foster a deeper level of appreciation and love for this place. Without community events, we just have weather, work and sports to discuss while in line at the grocery store. (I suppose you could throw in politics too, but remember when you didn’t know everyone’s political affiliation? Those were the days.) It’s through shared experiences that community is felt. It’s what makes small towns like Hayward different from big cities because you don’t feel like just another number. You can connect with your neighbors while warming your hands around a fire pit or while passing a puck around on the ice. The simplicity of it all is refreshing.
I look forward to hosting other community events in the future whether it’s another skating party, a pumpkin smashing event like we’ve done in the past or other events that are brought to life. Whatever the event, I know that this community will continue to thrive because of its heart and passion for coming together. In times of celebration or in times of grief, small towns press forward because of their willingness to rally with their neighbors. I’ll be seeing you around town, but until then, take care and be kind to one another.
- Dalton Hessel
I remember being tucked away in a cozy cabin, wanting nothing more than to be out on the ice with my friends, but I was staring at a massive pile of coursework that felt impossible to finish. The stress of the deadlines was starting to ruin the whole getaway. I actually spent one night huddled by the fireplace, frantically searching for a way to have someone take my online class cheap just so I could reclaim a few hours of my vacation without breaking the bank. It’s such a struggle when you want to be present in these beautiful "nerdy" moments but your academic life is calling from the laptop in your bag. Reading this makes me want to head back…
Reading your post about Skates, Saunas, and Small-Town Fun felt like slipping into someone’s postcard-moment cool breezes, familiar faces, and the kind of simple joy that makes you pause and smile. It made me think about the quieter, less-celebrated parts of other journeys too like the ones many online course help service–seekers know well: settling in after a long day of life’s demands, logging into modules with a mix of hope and fatigue, and wishing for just a little steady support when the lessons pile up and the motivation dips. In those everyday struggles, a bit of thoughtful help can feel like a warm sauna after a chilly skate bringing comfort, clarity, and the strength to keep going.
Reading your story about Skates, Saunas and Small Town Fun really brought back a flood of memories from my own high school days especially those cold winter evenings when I’d skate until my thoughts blurred into homework deadlines and looming exams. Back then, I was often so tense about my online classes and coursework that I’d long for just a bit of calm, like that feeling after a warm sauna, to gather my thoughts and refocus. I’m currently a master’s student, and in my free time I have a deep interest in research and writing of any kind blog writing, article writing, or academic writing because taking that creative pause always helped me think more clearly. Alongside my studies, I also…
Such a sweet post, Dalton! The skating party perfectly captured that small-town charm and sense of togetherness. Adding a custom neon signs like “Hayward Skates Together” or “Community & Cocoa” would bring an extra festive glow — and make for some great photo ops too!
Such a heartwarming post, Dalton! The skating party truly captured the magic of small-town life and community spirit. You could make future events even cozier by adding Custom Neon Signs — imagine a glowing “Hayward Skates Together” or “Community & Cocoa” lighting up the rink! It’d add a festive touch and make for great photo moments.